Full list of UK areas ‘most likely to be flooded’ in 2025 as 43 warnings issued

A full list of areas of the UK that are reportedly the most likely to experience flooding has been compiled.

The ranking has been formulated using historic weather data from Visual Crossing, specifically the amount of rainfall each place had last year.

It comes as, at the time of writing, the Environment Agency has issued 43 flood warnings, meaning flooding is expected.

82 flood alerts have also been activated, meaning flooding is possible.

These include for places near the River Avon, River Severn, River Trent, River Witham and the River Wreake.

The research concluded that Exeter in Devon is the area in the UK that is most likely to experience flooding, with its total rainfall being 1,230mm last year.

Meanwhile, the area with the lowest amount of rainfall was Guildford in Surrey with 466mm.

OMS and MG Timber has also created a Flood Report.

It reads: “Flooding in the UK has evolved from an intermittent natural phenomenon to a significant and persistent threat, largely driven by climate change and human activities.

“The country’s diverse landscape, which includes low-lying coastal regions, extensive river networks, and densely populated urban areas, renders it particularly susceptible to flooding.

“These varied environments experience different types of floods, such as coastal, river, surface water, and groundwater flooding, each with unique triggers and impacts.”

The report adds: “Addressing the challenge of flooding in the UK requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

“Investment in robust flood defences, such as sea walls and improved drainage systems, is essential.

“Additionally, sustainable land management practices and the restoration of natural floodplains can help mitigate the risk.”

Areas ‘most likely to flood’

Area

Total rainfall (mm)

Exeter

1230mm

Swansea

1210mm

Glasgow

1182mm

Plymouth

1157mm

Cardiff

1112mm

Weston-super-Mare

1086mm

Newport

1066mm

Stoke-on-Trent

1066mm

Eastbourne

1054mm

Blackpool

1033mm

Areas ‘least likely to flood’

A table has also been released showing the areas that are “least likely” to flood.

Area

Total rainfall (mm)

Guildford

466mm

Southend-on-Sea

510mm

Woking

510mm

Reading

607mm

Colchester

634mm

Chelmsford

636mm

Dundee

642mm

Basildon

644mm

Gillingham

649mm

London

664mm

The Environment Agency has advised: “Local flooding from rivers is probable in parts of the East Midlands today (Thursday) and on Friday. Local flooding is possible from rivers in parts of the West Midlands and the South West today.

“Local flooding is possible but not expected from rivers in parts of the Yorkshire and the Humber region today and on Friday.

“Land, roads and some properties will flood and there will be travel disruption. Local flooding is possible but not expected from groundwater in parts of the South of England from Friday onwards.

“Land, roads and some properties may flood and there may be travel disruption.”